Code RED

#27 - The Hard Truths of Modern Observability: Lessons on Cost, Complexity and What Needs Fixing with Andrew Mallaband

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Jun 12, 2025
Andrew Mallaband, an industry veteran and founder of Breakthrough Moments, joins to tackle the pressing issues in modern observability. He reveals how data overload and poor strategies hinder progress. The conversation highlights the rise of AI-powered SRE agents and the critical need for aligning data collection with business intentions. Mallaband discusses the importance of tracing in debugging microservices and the promise of open telemetry in enhancing AI-driven observability. His insights shed light on navigating the complex landscape of AI and cloud technologies.
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ANECDOTE

High-Stress Major Deal Anecdote

  • Andrew Mallaband recalls a high-pressure moment closing a major deal during Christmas that doubled his company's revenue.
  • The stress was so intense his wife insisted he stay in a hotel away from family during that time.
INSIGHT

Core Observability Challenges

  • Observability challenges cluster around four themes: escalating costs, data overload, reduced productivity, and data observability gaps.
  • These issues stem from lacking a cohesive data strategy that integrates observability efforts.
ADVICE

Start With Business Intent

  • Define and document your business intent before collecting observability data.
  • Focus on business transactions and rely heavily on distributed tracing to understand system dependencies and causality.
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